SE Oakland News

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt of Michigan has criticized the ongoing federal government shutdown, attributing responsibility to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic lawmakers. In a statement released Tuesday, Nesbitt said, “Despite last November’s mandate from voters to secure our borders and stop rampant waste, fraud and abuse in Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democrats — including Michigan Sens. Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters — are holding the government hostage to satisfy the radical left.”

Nesbitt further stated, “It’s shameful. Schumer himself has admitted in the past that shutdowns are irresponsible and deeply damaging. Schumer’s shutdown is hurting service members, veterans, emergency responders and families who rely on essential services.” He called for a resolution similar to what he described as bipartisan negotiations in Michigan: “Even in Michigan, Democrats eventually came to the table to negotiate and keep the state open. Washington Democrats should do the same. It’s time to end this Schumer shutdown.”

Nesbitt joined over three dozen Republican state legislators in signing a letter addressed to several congressional leaders including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senator Schumer, President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, and Minority Whip Dick Durbin. The letter urged Congress to pass a bipartisan plan aimed at preventing a federal government shutdown beyond October 1.